ELLE had a third-row seat to history—as in the third row on the Capitol steps, in the press section, just behind the Marine Corps band and directly under the podium. I'm going to have to do a lot of community organizing to compensate for this great and unexpected good fortune, but at the very least I can share the view.

I won't attempt to make any sweeping summations about the day—so many other visitors have spoken and written eloquently about the electricity in the air, the widespread good humor and kindness despite epic waits for the Metro and a labyrinth of street closings, the ocean of people packed as tightly in places as sand in a jar. But I thought you might like to see a few shots of the event from under the podium, practically a nose-tickling distance from our country's 44th President.

Looking back toward the mall and two million people shouting O-Bam-A! It was disconcertingly quiet in our section, the press somehow reining in euphoria to project professional neutrality (or with so many pens in hands, maybe it was the sound of one hand clapping).

Congress was seated in the bleachers above the podium, and many of them leaned over the railing to take in the crowds and take pictures. The women, from left, are (I think!) Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). I can't identify the guys, though I think that's Arlen Specter (R-PA) at the far right in the cowboy hat. As appointees and dignitaries filed into the stands (out of my sight line), some of the delegations got rowdy, shouting hellos and nicknames ("Rahm-bo!" for Rahm Emanuel). When Dick Cheney was wheeled in, one lone hoarse voice shouted, "We love you, Dick!"